Friday, February 1, 2013

Last Divorce Class

Last night was my last divorce class. The session was "Moving On, Growing Closer to God". It was actually the third time I heard this lesson, SO good.

Since I was 'graduating' the class the leaders asked us to share about what this program has meant to us. So I shared. This program has been an amazing resource and so helpful as I have unfortunately had to walk down this path. I started going right after he filed, and now here I am 6 months later. I survived! I look back and I see someone who was fearful, hopeless, full of misery. I remember one night after some really cruel things were said, I just left the apartment sobbing and walked to the train tracks. (and then walked home obviously) but I just remember just feeling utter hopelessness and despair.

The class was always focused on Jesus. How much He values and loves me. (Lk. 12:24/Zph. 3:17/Gal. 2:20) How He is still in control. (Is. 45:7/ Mt. 10:29) How He has good plans, plans for a hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11) How He can use what is meant for evil - for good. (Rom. 8:28) I really loved last night's class. I know I talked about it before, but I love some of the wisdom from the video, "my purpose in life is not to be married, that is just a stop along the way, God has a bigger purpose for me". And, "don't let your spouse take your purpose out the door with them."

I just really love how this group has encouraged me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. To let Him heal me. To make Him the center of my life. And to forgive.

I don't know what it is. The year+ of counseling, the 9 months of divorce class, the love and prayers and support of amazing friends and family, or just the power of Jesus to change lives. But I do feel changed. I feel hope. I feel peace. I feel joy. And I am so thankful.

I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.
Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:1-5.